Foundation for Youth and Economic Development Inc.

The Foundation for Youth and Economic Development (FYED) was formed as the nonprofit partner for the Miami Dade Economic Advocacy Trust (MDEAT). 

One of MDEAT’s premier initiatives is the Teen Court (TC) and Youth Services Division. 

Teen Court is a sanctioned program of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court’s Juvenile Diversion Program. Affiliated with the National Association of Youth Courts (NAYC) and the Florida Association of Teen Courts (FATC), TC operates in 49 of Florida’s 69 counties. In Miami-Dade, it has served as a successful diversionary program for first-time youth offenders, achieving an impressive recidivism rate of only 4%. 

TC provides a peer-led alternative to prosecution for first-time youth offenders, emphasizing accountability and personal growth over punishment. Supported by six Eleventh Judicial Circuit Judges and over 50 volunteer attorneys.

During the 2024 fiscal year the Teen Court and Youth Services Division served more than 4,000 youth through four key programmatic areas:

1. Teen Court

Provides a constructive, peer-driven alternative to formal prosecution for first-time offenders who take responsibility for their actions. Youth volunteers serve as judges, attorneys, and jurors, delivering sentencing that is educational rather than punitive. Six dedicated Eleventh Judicial Circuit Judges and more than 50 attorneys volunteer their time and expertise to this program.

 2. Student Court

An extension of Teen Court, Student Court brings the diversionary model directly into 10 Miami-Dade County Public Schools. This in-school initiative has successfully resolved more than 600 infractions during the 2024 fiscal year alone.

 3. Career Pathways

To support long-term success, participation in Career Pathways is required for all Teen Court participants and select Miami-Dade County Public School students. Initiatives include:

• Career Immersion Experience
   A one-day professional development activity, launched in partnership with the Office of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, where youth explore careers within Miami-Dade County Departments, such as the Miami International Airport, The Miami-Dade Sea Port and others.
• Humanity in Healthcare Youth Summit
   Youth explore medical professions through simulated hospital tours and discussions with healthcare professionals.
• Youth Power Summit
   Workshops in legal careers, healthcare, AI & Tech industries, and skilled trades.
• Career Readiness & Life Skills Workshops
  Offering training in financial literacy, job readiness, ethics, and homeownership.
• Job Connectivity
  Participants are placed in jobs with partnering companies after completing the program.